tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12511368.post5993273697429387902..comments2024-01-13T14:13:13.679-08:00Comments on John's Semi-Blog: Mendence, the MergerJohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08635360760744356704noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12511368.post-4660862216349932382008-06-20T02:42:00.000-07:002008-06-20T02:42:00.000-07:00The background to the idea of the third-party inte...The background to the idea of the third-party integrator came from several of the big chipmakers. In recent months, I've been trying to square the circle between claims by Mike Fister and others about customers wanting to buy a flow from one vendor. They were claims that didn't really tally with my understanding of the EDA business. So, when I've had a chance, I've quizzed EDA managers about it. <BR/><BR/>Some have said they are open to the idea of the third-party tools integrator and were generally supportive of what Reshape was trying to do. However, it's also clear that Reshape didn't get much money. They got used but for specific things, such as getting Magma into an existing flow.<BR/><BR/>That suggests that the reality is that people want one flow that they don't have to bolt together themselves but they don't trust the EDA vendors themselves to go and do it. Which seems reasonable. So, the only answer you have left is the third party.<BR/><BR/>Given that Reshape flamed out, it would be a difficult model to do standalone. However, it might make sense for one of the fabless ASIC houses (eSilicon, OpenSilicon) to do it - although it would probably not bring them the margins they'd want versus just selling design services. Or, if they really wanted to upset the apple cart, a foundry. <BR/><BR/>They are already on the road of reference flows. Does there come a point where they decide that they can capture more customers if they supply the scripts needed to tie together the main tools in a consistent manner? Upside: more contracts, no hassle trying to buy an EDA vendor. Downside: the eternal emnity of whoever gets left out.<BR/><BR/>What will be interesting over the next year or two will be to see what effect iterations of TSMC's reference flow have on tool sales. They are gradually pulling in more tools from the startups, for things like statistical timing. I'd be interested to know what impact this has on the sales of people like CLK, who got added to the latest reference flow.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com